January

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State/Federal Government Affairs Reminder

January 9, 2025

TO:             UMMC Faculty, Staff and Students

FROM:        Dr. LouAnn Woodward, Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs

SUBJECT:    State/Federal Government Affairs Reminder


The Medical Center is constantly engaging with lawmakers at the state and federal level to advance our policy agenda. Our Government Relations team – Kristy Simms, executive director of external affairs and the primary connection to our federal delegation, and Anna Moak Sparks, liaison for state government affairs – helps our institutional leadership to develop this agenda and then directs and coordinates it across many constituencies. 

The 2025 session of the Mississippi Legislature is now underway, as is the 119th  U.S. Congress, and I want to make sure you are reminded that there is a process to follow prior to participating in any activities related to government or elected officials and their staff. Unless special permission is granted in advance by the Office of the Vice Chancellor, only members of our Government Relations team are authorized to conduct advocacy activities with elected/appointed officials on behalf of UMMC. This applies to all levels of government.

I recognize that many of our faculty, staff and students are members of professional associations or other groups that have interests before the Mississippi Legislature, the U.S. Congress or other state and federal agencies. You are encouraged to be active and engaged in advocacy for topics that matter to you as a private citizen. Remember, though, that any engagement with elected officials should not cross over into “Medical Center business” unless it is approved in advance. Please make any government official or staff member with whom you have contact aware that you are representing your own self-interests or a third-party group and not the Medical Center. If you are taking part in such activities, I ask that you coordinate with Kristy and Anna in advance of your visit or other contact.

For more information on the Medical Center’s guidelines regarding engaging with government officials, please refer to the Policy for Government Relations Activity.

Thank you.